HOW WE HELP
How Occupational Therapy Helps Kids
Every child develops at their own pace. Occupational therapy can help when everyday tasks at home or school are harder than they should be, or when a teacher, doctor or caregiver suggests an assessment.
SIGNS TO WATCH FOR
Signs your child may benefit from OT
Motor skills
Motor skills are the movements children use all day. Fine motor skills include holding a pencil, using scissors and doing up buttons. Gross motor skills include running, jumping and balancing. Signs to watch for include avoiding drawing or crafts, tiring quickly when writing, or trouble with buttons and zippers. Your OT builds these skills through play and everyday activities, so your child can take part at home, at school and with friends.
Strengths and challenges
Every program starts with an assessment of what your child does well and where they’re getting stuck. Your OT uses that baseline to set clear goals with you and to track progress over time.
Balance and coordination
Some children find it hard to coordinate their movements, which can make sports, playground games and getting dressed frustrating. OT works on balance, body awareness and coordination through play, so children can take part with more confidence.
EVERYDAY SKILLS
Everyday skills we work on
Real-life tasks, and the skills behind them.
Getting dressed
Builds fine motor skills for buttons, zippers and laces.
Writing and copying notes
Builds hand-eye coordination for keeping up in class.
Controlling a pencil
Builds motor planning and a comfortable, steady grip.
Throwing and catching
Builds balance and coordination for sports and play.
Organizing a backpack
Builds planning skills for smoother school routines.
Reacting to sensory input
Builds self-regulation, so noise and textures feel manageable.
Memory and recall
Builds attention and organization for learning.
Active play and sports
Builds strength and endurance to join in with friends.
NEXT STEP
Talk to us about your child
Call 613-797-9644 or email support@ottawaot.com to book an assessment.